What if your river cruise matched your passion? In this episode of Europe Unveiled, Sonia Rectenwald explores themed river cruises in Europe — from wine and beer sailings to music, wellness, Christmas Market, and heritage voyages that make travel more personal. You’ll hear about Soulful Experiences, Storyteller Cruises with Outlander’s Graham McTavish, and Smithsonian Journeys that bring culture and connection to life on Europe’s most beautiful rivers.
If you’ve ever wished your river cruise could match your interests — whether that’s wine, beer, music, or even photography — this episode is for you.
In Episode 17 of Europe Unveiled, host Sonia Rectenwald dives into the world of themed river cruises in Europe, where travel meets passion and every sailing offers something truly special.
🍷 Wine Cruises — Sail through Europe’s vineyard-covered valleys and enjoy guided tastings led by sommeliers and local winemakers. Picture yourself sipping Riesling along the Moselle or sampling Port in Portugal’s Douro Valley.
🍺 Beer Cruises — Each region — and even city — has its own signature brew. From Cologne’s crisp Kölsch to Bamberg’s famous smoked beer and Würzburg’s monk-brewed Julius Echter (one of Sonia’s husband’s favorites discovered while living there!), beer cruises are the perfect blend of hops, history, and local flavor.
🎶 Music Cruises — Waltz through Vienna, hear Mozart in Salzburg, and enjoy classical and folk performances both onboard and in Europe’s most iconic venues.
🌿 Wellness Cruises — Start your mornings with yoga on deck and explore active excursions like hiking and cycling, followed by healthy, locally inspired cuisine.
📸 Photography Cruises — Learn from professionals as you capture golden-hour shots of castles, cathedrals, and cobblestoned towns.
🎄 Christmas Market Cruises — As Sonia’s daughter says, “It’s like a Hallmark Christmas movie on steroids.” Explore festive markets in Vienna, Cologne, Nuremberg, Heidelberg, and Budapest, sip Glühwein, and collect each city’s unique mug as a souvenir. These sailings are cozy, twinkly, and pure European holiday magic. (And don’t miss Sonia’s two dedicated episodes on Christmas Markets along the Rhine and Danube for an in-depth look at both!)
🌷 Flower Cruises — Spring brings tulip time through the Netherlands and Belgium, with stops at the Keukenhof Gardens and floating flower markets.
🎥 Storyteller Cruises — Sail with authors, actors, and musicians like Outlander’s Graham McTavish on Avalon’s Storyteller Series, blending literature, film, and creativity on the river.
🏛️ Smithsonian Journeys — Dive deeper into Europe’s culture with AmaWaterways’ Smithsonian Journeys, featuring onboard experts, historians, and local experiences focused on true cultural immersion.
✡️ Jewish Heritage & Soulful Experiences — Discover meaningful themed sailings that celebrate both Jewish history and Black culture across Europe. Jewish Heritage Cruises explore historic synagogues, memorials, and communities in cities like Vienna, Prague, and Budapest, while AmaWaterways’ Soulful Experiences highlight the vibrant impact of Black artists, musicians, and thinkers through guided tours, onboard discussions, and performances — offering travelers an inclusive, purposeful way to see Europe.
💫 And So Much More — Culinary, art, golf, and literature-themed cruises also bring Europe to life in unforgettable ways. (Stay...
13 min